ILOILO — Disaster officials are urging residents across the province to actively participate in the first-quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) on March 12, warning that preparedness is crucial following the recent magnitude 4.8 earthquake that shook parts of Panay and Guimaras islands.
The Iloilo Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), headed by retired Police Colonel Cornelio Salinas, appealed to Ilonggos to practice the life‑saving “duck, cover, and hold” technique during the drill scheduled at 3:30 p.m.
“Magbuligay kita sa pagpalapnag sang kahandaan kag pagresponde sa kalamidad,” read part of a public advisory from PDRRMO.
On March 2, an earthquake with an epicenter in Guimbal, Iloilo jolted Panay and Guimaras, prompting authorities to intensify disaster preparedness campaigns across communities.
The PDRRMO also released a set of earthquake safety reminders and urged the public to remain calm and alert in the event of a strong tremor.
Residents are advised to stay composed, drop to their hands and knees, cover and hold under sturdy furniture to protect the head and neck, and evacuate safely once the shaking stops.
Authorities also reminded the public to keep a safe distance from buildings, walls, and power lines and proceed to designated assembly areas after evacuation.
Salinas stressed that discipline during evacuations is crucial to prevent panic and possible casualties.
“Do not run, just walk graciously para atleast indi man kamo magbinunggoanay because kun nagadinalagan kita it would create a stampede and it would lead to mass casualties. So, likawan naton. Just go on with protocols nga ginatudlo sa inyo during the drills and that should be part of our condition reflex,” said Salinas.
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Region 6 also called on government agencies, local government units, schools, private institutions, media organizations, and the general public to support the nationwide drill.
“Inaanyayahan ang iba’t ibang ahensya ng pamahalaan, lokal na pamahalaan, akademikong institusyon, pribadong sektor, midya, at pangkalahatang publiko na makiisa sa NSED at sa pagpapalaganap ng mahahalagang impormasyon tungkol sa aktibidad at mga payong pangkaligtasan tungkol sa banta ng lindol,” part of the OCD-6 advisory read.
After the first-quarter drill on March 12, the succeeding Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drills are scheduled on June 18, September 10, and November 5 as part of the government’s continuing campaign to strengthen earthquake preparedness nationwide./PN
